For the discerning cheapskate record collector

NOW AND ALWAYS – The World News Roundup Geared Towards Fans of Rockpile

The World Cup is coming to a climax with the semi-final between Brazil and Germany set for tomorrow. There is, of course, something of a pall cast over the clash due to Brazilian striker Neymar’s absence due to injury. Interestingly, while Rockpile, nor any of its members, had chart hits in Brazil, the band had a huge cult following in West Germany, appearing at Hamburg’s Markthalle convention centre on 12th January, 1980. Go Jerries, we say!

NOW AND ALWAYS has the unfortunate task of reporting the death of American Singer-Songwriter Jesse Winchester. Winchester’s songs, according to Nick Lowe protégé Elvis Costello, were “as enduring as resonant as any produced by his early 70s contemporaries.” Our thoughts and prayers are with Nick at this difficult time. Keep your pecker up, Basher!

Following the recent buildup in tension between Israel and Palestine, the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas promised that Israel will “pay a tremendous price” after eight militants were killed overnight in Gaza. We are nonetheless pleased to report that Nick, Dave, Billy and Terry are nowhere near the West Bank at the moment and, fingers crosses, will remain safely out of harm’s way. Stay safe, boys!

Former Afghan finance minister Ashraf Ghani is leading the race to replace Hamid Karzai as president of the embattled country, according to preliminary results. The Afghan election commission has stated that Mr Ghani won 56.44% of votes cast in the 14 June second round, while his opponent, Abdullah Abdullah, had 43.56%. Oddly, both have remained tight-lipped about who’s made better solo albums, Nick Lowe or Dave Edmunds. So NOW AND ALWAYS will have to sit on the fence for this one!